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Just like other studies, Hebrew and Greek words and their meanings are derived from Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible with Dictionaries and Lexicons at StudyLight.org. To begin this study, please read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8. (2 Th 2:1-8 KJV) "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, {2} That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. {3} Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; {4} Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. {5} Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? {6} And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. {7} For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. {8} And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:" Overview of Verses One Through Six In verse one, Paul, Silvanus and Timotheus (1:1) earnestly beseech the Thessalonians brethren concerning the coming of the Lord and our gathering together unto Him. In verse two, they were told to "...be not soon shaken in mind...as that the day of Christ is at hand" -- as if that Day had already come. In verse three, they were warned to let no man deceived (Mat 24:11) them by any means, for that Day will not come, "except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed...." An O.T. reference to verse three that will help its understanding is Daniel 8:23. (Dan 8:23 KJV) "And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up." In 2 Thessalonians 2:3, "...a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition" before that Day (of Christ) will come. And in Daniel 8:23, "...when the transgressors are come to the full, a king...shall stand up." There is some commonality between the two passages. In 2:3, the Greek word for "falling" as well as "away" is apostasia (G646), defined defection from the truth, a falling away, apostasy, and was translated "forsake" in Act 21:21. Note: "Falling away" does not mean the Church is secretly taken. And in Daniel 8:23, the Hebrew word for "transgressors" is pasha' (H6586), defined to rebel, revolt, to break away from just authority, that is to trespass, apostatize, quarrel, and in other verses was translated "offended, rebelled, revolt, transgressed," etc. Both words, one from the Greek and one from the Hebrew, have "apostasy" in their meanings, which will contribute toward understanding the meaning of 2 Thessalonians 2:7 and will help describe an awful period when there will be a falling away and that son of perdition comes on the scene. Those who fall away could include some pretending Christian who will become offended (enticed to sin, apostatize) when tribulation or persecution comes because of the Word, and fall away in time of temptation. Something you will learn more about farther into this study. What Jesus said, "...iniquity [lawlessness, wickedness, transgression, unrighteousness] shall abound..." (Mat 24:12 KJV), and it will be as the days of Noah (Mat 24:37-39) and as the days Lot (Luke 17:26-30), will help us to understand that awful period even more. We can see a gradual falling into lawlessness and wicked lifestyles. Lawlessness and wickedness are gaining acceptance by so many. They are becoming the right of many; and in their minds, the right and righteous are becoming the wrongs. Some things that are denied by many and are explicitly shown in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 will happen before the glorious return of Christ and our gathering together unto Him. Many Christians seem to believe the one many call the Antichrist (1 John 2:18) will be ruling during the Great Tribulation. That being true, then what is understood from verses one through three is Christ comes after the Tribulation and not before. Our gathering together is the Rapture when we will receive resurrected bodies. Note: When Jesus appears the second time (Heb 9:28) for the first resurrection, God is bringing with Him the Saints (1 Th 3:13; Jude 1:14) who sleep in Jesus (1 Th 4:13-15) -- souls (Rev 6:9, 20:4-5) which are in heaven. All believers will be changed (1 Cor 15:51-54) the dead first, than those who are alive and remain [left], we will be caught up together with them in the clouds (1 Th 4:16-18). Then, verse four describes some things the man of sin, son of perdition (in which Antiochus Epiphanes was a type) rises to do, "Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped..." (2 Th 2:4 KJV). Daniel 11:36-37 is a good O.T. reference to that verse. (2 Th 2:4 KJV) "Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God." (Dan 11:36-37 KJV) "And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. {37} Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all." I get the feeling Paul received some understanding from Daniel before writing 2 Thessalonians chapter 2. According to verses five and six, the Thessalonians were told things before (similar to what Jesus did in Matthew 24:25) when Paul was yet with them, and now knew what withholds that the son of perdition might be revealed in his time. (2 Th 2:5-6 KJV) "Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? {6} And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time." Taken Verse Seven Out of Context (2 Th 2:7 KJV) "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way." Verse seven is real interesting. It will take a little more explaining than the others. I guess around ninety percent of the Church that believes in a rapture is being deceived. Many have not only twisted the words "falling away" in 2:3 to mean the Rapture, but have also took 2:7 out of context and twisted some of its words, and tried very hard to substantiate a false and misleading doctrine that is contrary to the Word of God. I do not believe the passage is talking about the Holy Spirit and/or the Church being taken out and not in the world when the man of sin rules. Falling Away First The second half of verse seven is an unclear translation to most. The wording "only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way" might not be the best translation for today's English. There is something withholding the man of sin from being revealed, and the Thessalonians knew the answer according to five and six. Verses one through four is part of what they had been told before. But what is mentioned in verse three is the answer and the key to unlocking the understanding to verse seven. So with verses five and six start turning the key, "for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first," to begin opening up and understanding focal verse seven, "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way." Hold Fast Looking at some key words and their meanings in verse seven and making comparisons elsewhere will give us a better understanding of what is said. First of all, the Greek word for "let" and also "letteth" is katecho (G2722), defined to hold down, fast or back, etc., which is the same word translated "withholdeth" in previous verse six, and in other verses "seize, keep, hold, held," etc., and was translated "hold fast" (1 Th 5:21; Heb 3:6; 10:23) where the Greek word was written twice like it is here in verse seven. Become or Be Done in the Midst Next, there are the words "taken" and "way." Like "let" and "letteth," they too are used in a peculiar and archaic fashion, which is common for some words translated in the King James Version. Note: Do not get me wrong. I do believe in the infallible, inerrant, inspired Holy Word of God, and I believe the Kings James Version is one of the better translations of the vernacular languages. The Greek word for "be taken" is ginomai (G1096), defined to become that is to come into existence or come to pass, finished, etc., and in other verses was translated "came to pass, be done, be fulfilled, finished" (Heb 4:3), etc. And the Greek word for "way" is mesos (G3319), defined middle, the midst, in the midst of, amongst, and in other verses was translated "midst, among," etc. I found that the Greek word ginomai in all of the times in the N.T. KJV was translated "be taken" only once and that was in 2:7; and the Greek word mesos was translated "way" only one other time and that was in Colossians 2:14. Greek and Latin Comparison The Greek words for "only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way" are monon arti katecho katecho heos ginomai mesos, and could be translated word for word "only now hold fast until become or be done midst." And the Latin words are tantum ut qui tenet [teneo] nunc donec de medio [medius] fiat [fio], and could be translated word for word "only when that to hold now until about middle become or be done." Considering Their Meanings So then, considering their meanings, what the verse is, telling me is, for the mystery (secret) of iniquity (translated "lawlessness" in the NKJV) is already at work; only now hold fast until become or be done (falling away is come and iniquity is complete) in the midst. And then will that Wicked be revealed, "...whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming" (2 Th 2:7-8 KJV). The falling away had not yet come when Paul wrote the epistle, yet the mystery of iniquity was already at work trying to bring about a completely lawless and wicked society when and where iniquity will abound. Iniquity and Wicked In verse seven, the Greek word for "iniquity" is anomia (G458) (from the word anomos) defined violation of the law, iniquity, wickedness, etc., and in all other verses was translated "iniquity" or "iniquities," except for "unrighteousness" in 2 Corinthians 6:14, and "transgresseth the law" and "transgression of the law" in 1 John 3:4. And was translated "lawlessness" in some other Bible versions. In verse eight, the Greek word for "Wicked" is anomos (G459), defined lawless, not subject to the law, departing from the law, violator of the law, wicked, etc., and in some verses was translated "transgressors" (Luke 22:37), "without law" in 1 Corinthians 9:21, etc. And was translated "lawless one" in some other Bible versions. Consider this, we know the Lord will consume the Wicked (son of perdition), but then it could imply and include those involved with the mystery of iniquity, who will transgress, apostatize (Mat 24:10) and fall away (Luke 8:13). More Commonality Some commonality between 2 Thessalonians 2:7 and Daniel 8:23 are as follows. The Greek word for "be taken" is ginomai, defined to become that is to come into existence or come to pass, finished, etc., and in other verses was translated "came to pass, be done, be fulfilled, finished" (Heb 4:3), etc., which was formerly studied. (2 Th 2:7-8 KJV) "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. {8} And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:" And in Daniel 8:23, the Hebrew word for "come to the full" is tamam (H8552), defined to be complete, be finished, etc., and other verses was translated "accomplish, have done, be all gone, finished" (Josh 4:10), etc. (Dan 8:23 KJV) "And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up." There are some variations between the two words, one from the Greek and one from the Hebrew, but no matter, the commonality between them still exist. One English word that is common and could easily define both words is "finished." Therefore, considering what was learned, for that Day (of Christ) will not come, except there come a falling away first. For the mystery of iniquity (lawlessness) is already work; only now hold fast until become or be done (finished) in the midst. When the transgressors are come to the full (finished), a king of fierce countenance and understanding dark sentences will stand up. And then will that man of sin, the son of perdition, Wicked (Mat 13:38) be revealed, "whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming." For the world to let such a sinful and wicked man gain control and rule, iniquity (lawlessness, wickedness, transgression, unrighteousness) must abound. (2 Th 2:3 KJV) "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;" Additional Comments You could consider what could constitute a falling away from the faith, even in today's America, who could it be and could have your own comments on what I'm going to say. We are losing more and more of our freedoms as the governments gradually take control of virtually all aspect of our lives, even to the point of controlling who will buy or sell (Rev 13:16-17) at the end of this age. Instead of looking to the Creator, a big percentage of governing leaders of the world, who are breaking away from the laws and commandments of God, who know Him not and have the U.N. Charter (Constitution) for their Commandments to follow, are hoping to solve the world's problems themselves, trying to pull the world out of its present state of unrest by using man's methods and devices only. It seems real Christians at one time had a little more influence and say-so in the affairs and governing of our world. As time moves on and the New World Order, One World System continues to take more control with the help of the United Nations, European Union, E.C., NATO and other global organizations, our numbers -- ones who received seed into the good ground (Mat 13:23) -- will become fewer in number and have less say-so. The non-compromisers Christians will steadily lose more seats in governments and their voices squelched. Our rivals who are for a bigger government and a one world system will eventually get the upper hand. With the help of the US Supreme Court, federal courts and pretentious groups -- who appear to be righteous organizations -- such as the ACLU, AU for Separation of Church and State, Americans will continue to lose more religious freedoms. Christian values will continue to be thrown out one by one as times moves on. More and more wayside ones, those among the thorns and the stony places ones (Mat 13:19-22) -- who I believe are some of the apostate church -- in noticeably larger numbers will be joining a one world system of global governments, organizations and banks, pagan religions, worldly churches, occult lodges, pretentious groups and others. The falling away mentioned might be in its early stages and will be complete when lawlessness and wickedness reign supreme. America seemed to have gone from a Democracy to an Oligarchy. And one day the whole world will be ruled by a Theocracy. Just like any other newly formed group, the One World System will also need one leader to head things. Peace is one of the top priorities of the global organizations. A (false) world peace and security (1 Th 5:3) without God is being sought for. When not achieved, world leaders will eventually turn to one who will appear to have what it takes to bring about peace (Rev 6:4) and prosperity (Dan 8:24-25), and the answers to the dilemma of our world. They will yield, partly because of fear, and let this conquering (Rev 6:2) Wicked rule. When the man of sin is revealed, I assume many who believe a secret pre-trib rapture will think that they have been left behind (Luke 17:26-37). Now, their only hope is that there will be a later -- post tribulation (Mat 24:29) -- rapture. Assuredly many will have made the mistake of not thoroughly searching the Bible for themselves to find out the truths about the Tribulation and the son of perdition (wolf in sheep's clothing) who will be revealed before the Day of Christ. Many (Mat 24:10) of them will be offended (Mat 13:20-21) and fall away (Luke 8:13) when persecuted. No telling how many will accept this false Christ because of fear and the miraculous things he does with the help of his partner (Rev 16:13-14). Power and Signs and Lying Wonders (2 Th 2:8-12) The Wicked's coming will be according to the working of Satan with all power (miracles) and signs and lying wonders. (2 Th 2:8-12 KJV) "And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: {9} Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, {10} And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. {11} And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: {12} That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." He will be doing such fantastic things to able to fool so many. On those damned who had pleasure in unrighteousness, God will send strong delusion that they would believe a lie, "...because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved" (2 Th 2:10 KJV). Christ said that there will arise false Christs and prophets, and will show signs and wonders, and if it were possible, will deceive the very Elect (Mat 24:24). (Mat 24:24 KJV) "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." Note: The final antichrist (1 John 2:18) and false prophet (Rev 16:13-14) are written about in Revelation 13:1-18. More on Ones Who Will Fall Away Having looked at some Christian circles, it seems most like to be members of a large prestigious group and of a winning number. Just look at some of the large tele-evangelist churches, tabernacles, Christian centers and palaces of worship! Just because miracles are possibly being performed in some of them (Mat 7:21-23), and a person is a member and says he knows Jesus Christ does not mean he has been born again. Note: Even the devils believe in one God (James 2:19) and do know who Jesus Christ is. They knew Him when He was casting them out during His ministry (Mark 1:23-26 1). A person has to be born (again) of water and of the Spirit to enter into the kingdom of God (John 3:5). And as many as received him (the Word), to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name, who were born (1 John 5:1), not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13). For the seed (Word) has to be received into the good ground and bring forth fruit (Mat 13:8, 23). When tribulation or persecution arises because of the Word, the ones who received the seed (Word) on stony places/ground have no root is offended (enticed to sin, apostatize) according to Matthew 13:20-21, and Mark 4:16-17, and the ones who received the Word on the rock and have no root fall away in time of temptation (James 1:2-4) according to Luke 8:13. The understanding of "apostasy" is in Matthew 13:21 and Mark 4:17, in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 and in Daniel 8:23. And the understanding of "fall away" is in Luke 8:13 and in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, which all was previously studied. Then consider, the Greek word skandalizo (G4624), translated "offend" in Matthew 13:21 and Mark 4:17, is from the Greek word skandalon (G4625) from where we began to get the English word "scandal" which is "any act, person, or thing that offends moral feeling and leads to disgrace..." according to Webster's New World Dictionary. And the Greek word apostasia, translated "fall" and "away" in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, is near the spelling of the Greek words apo + stasis from where we get the English word "apostasy" which is "an abandoning of what one believed in, as a faith, etc." according to Webster's New World Dictionary. The whole understanding could all be summed up in one word, "APOSTASY." All of that is enough reason to believe that the ones who received the seed (Word) on stony places/ground or on the rock and have no root are some church members who will apostatize Matthew 24:10 in the last day because of persecution. Many Be Offended (Mat 24:10 KJV) "And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another." Do Not Abandon Your Faith (Mat 13:20-21 KJV) "But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; {21} Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended." (Luke 8:13 KJV) "They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away." Be not one who received the seed (Word) on stony places/ground (Mat 13:20-21; Mark 4:16-17) or on the rock (Luke 8:13) and has no root, and abandon your faith. Receive Seed into the Good Ground (Mat 13:23 KJV) "But he who received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." Be one who received seed (Word) into the good ground (Mat 13:23). And not be one to say, the Lord is delaying his return, and begin to beat his fellow brothers, and to eat and drink with the drunkards (Mat 24:48-51). Reconsider Your Stand Followers of a secret pre-trib rapture need to reconsider their stand and salvation. Understanding Christians do not believe governments have all the answers and do not long to see a one world government with a godless ruler who magnifies himself above every god. We desire to see our Savior reigning, and if it were possible, living in the heart of each and everyone. Are you truly a born again child of God (Gal 3:26) or a child of Satan? (Dan 12:10 KJV) "Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." References:
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